The city of Xi’an in China’s northwest central region has long being a focal point of culture, history and grandeur. Home to the impressive terracotta army, as well as being one of four great ancient cities in China, it is now emerging as one of the country’s economic superstars with a bustling population of more than 7 million and home to various high-tech research facilities, including China’s space exploration programme. Visitors to this thriving metropolis are presented with stellar options for accommodation in Xian and may want to consider a quality Xian apartment at the Citadines Gaoxin Xi’an. Its stylish interiors, modern amenities and central location make it an ideal choice for business and leisure visits. Located not too far from Xi’an is the iconic Weiyang Palace, literally, the “endless palace”, built in 200 BC. It was an ancient palace complex that spanned 1,200 acres, and was the largest palace ever built on earth, spanning an area greater than the Forbidden City or the Vatican City. It served as the imperial residence and the central administrative centre of the Western Han Dynasty, the Western Jin Dynasty, and several other dynasties from the northern and southern ends of the country. The impressive palace complex survived until the Tang Dynasty, when it was burned down by marauders invading country. Today, only a few ruins remain of this once magnificent centre of some of China’s most impressive kingdoms. However, the location is well worth a visit as one can get a sense of the endless sprawling grandeur of a once-great hub of royalty and feel the weight of history pervade the area.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.
